Post Doctoral Fellow

JOB TITLE

Post Doctoral Fellow

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Mechanical & Materials Engineering - NFR JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at WPI invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow position under the mentorship of Dr. Jiawei Yang. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research group focused on soft materials, biomedical devices, and translational biotechnology.

The appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and available funding.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to the development of a new tissue-interfacing biotechnology
• Conduct in vitro chemical, mechanical, and biological characterizations of soft materials
• Perform in vivo evaluations using relevant animal models
• Work closely with graduate students and collaborators in a dynamic lab environment
• Prepare manuscripts and contribute to grant proposals

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated expertise in soft materials, biomaterials, or related experimental techniques
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with hydrogel systems, bioadhesives, or tissue coating technologies
• Familiarity with mechanical testing (e.g., rheometry, tensile testing), chemical characterization (e.g., FTIR, XPS), and cell-material interaction studies
• Hands-on experience in animal model studies and ethical handling procedures

Application Materials:
Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing research experience and career goals
• Curriculum Vitae
• At least two representative publications
• Contact information for at least three academic/research references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Compensation:
Annual salary: $48,500 USD, plus benefits according to WPI’s institutional rates.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.